Apple Sues Two New York Stores for Selling Unauthorized Company Accessories

From DailyTech: In late July, photos on a blogger's site sparked an investigation of an unauthorized Apple store in Kunming, China, which sold products and looked just like a real Apple store. Last week, 22 more fake Apple retailers were found in China.

Now, the hunt and capture of more unauthorized Apple products continues as the computing and electronics giant pursues stores in the Chinatown section of Queens, New York. Apple has accused two stores -- Apple Story and Fun Zone Inc. -- of selling knockoff Apple gear such as iPad, iPhone and iPod accessories.

Apple had sent its representatives to both Chinatown stores multiple times over several weeks to buy a variety of iPod, iPhone and iPad cases as well as stereo headsets. All of the products the company purchased had an Apple trademark as well as the phrase "Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China." In addition, the items had similar markings to those found on real Apple products.

On July 25, 2011, Apple filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Apple Story and Fun Zone, which are both owned by New York resident and case co-defendant Janie Po Chiang. The other case co-defendant is Fun Zone manager Jimmy Kwok.

On July 27, Apple launched multiple ex parte seizure warrants, which allowed the company to seize items with the Apple logo from both stores.

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